Bowling Notes from Bowlers Journal e-news

When the United States Bowling Congress Team USA Trials takes place in January, members of Team USA will be determined based on a points system, rather than total pinfall. 

The new way of determining automatic qualifiers for Team USA, as well as the Team USA Trials champions, will reward consistency and versatility over the course of the four-day event, which will be contested on four lane conditions. 

The 2012 event is scheduled to take place Jan. 2-6 at Texas Station in Las Vegas. Info: bowl.com/teamusatrials

Ronnie “Country Boy” Russell is ready to plow over the competition as the newest pro bowler to join the DV8 pro bowling staff. Russell, who was ranked 15th on the 2010-2011 PBA Tour, is a native of Marion, IN. 

Russell joins staff members: Brian “Deuce” Valenta, two-time PBA title-winner Mike “Choogs” Machuga, and Finnish bowler Joonas “JJ” Jahi.

Jaclyn Marinkovich, a.k.a. Jackie Bowling, has what many would consider a dream job doing interviews on the PBA Tour. 

 

In August of 2010, Marinkovich was invited by the PBA to interview Wayne Webb, the winner of a senior event held in Jackson, MI. With no broadcasting experience or training, the PBA’s biggest fan, Jackie Bowling, was born. 

The PBA was so impressed with Marinkovich’s passion for the game, officials asked her to join pba.com’s Xtra Frame team, as the “fan personality” interviewing players between matches about their game and equipment. 

Marinkovich’s involvement on Xtra Frame caught the attention of the Powerhouse Bowling brand manager, Rich Hanson. Powerhouse produces a line of equipment and maintenance products for both pro shops and consumers. 

“Jackie’s an excellent fit for the Powerhouse brand,” said Hanson. “We noticed that she had a great personality, and she seemed like a very genuine person, so we approached the PBA to see if we could sponsor her interviews.” 

For the 2011-12 bowling season, Marinkovich has been signed to a full staff contract by Powerhouse, and she’ll represent the brand not only on tour, but at industry events as well.